Board of Education adopts 2026-27 budget proposal

April 21, 2026

The North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education (BOE) has adopted a $233,466,874 budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year. This plan is a direct reflection of our commitment to maintaining the high-quality programs our students deserve while remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.

While the proposed tax levy increase is 5.25%, it is critical to understand what that number represents:

• Operating with Restraint (2.4%): Only 2.4% of the increase is for the day-to-day operation of our schools, which is nearly a full point below the current 3.3% inflation rate.
• Fulfilling Community Promises (2.7%): More than half of the increase, 2.7%, is the local share of capital projects that were previously approved by our voters, including the opening of the new Lakeshore Elementary this fall.
• Bridging the Gap: To keep this increase as low as possible, the district is utilizing $10.45 million of its own fund balance and reserves to balance the budget.

NSCSD residents will vote on the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 19. Also on the ballot are propositions for vehicle purchases totaling $2,525,994. Town of Salina residents will be asked to approve a library proposition. Voters will also select three BOE candidates. This year there are five candidates running for the BOE: Carol Goehner, Joshua Ludden, Cheryl McDonald, Michael Mirizio and Michael Shusda. Candidate profiles are available online here. 

To keep residents informed, the district has developed a budget website and is preparing to mail a newsletter with detailed budget information to all NSCSD households. In addition, a series of in-person and virtual community meetings will take place to offer residents the opportunity to learn more about the budget. 

NSCSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Terry Ward encourages residents to attend a community meeting. He said, “We want to ensure every resident has the opportunity to see exactly how funds are being used to support student growth, fulfill voter-approved facility improvements and maintain the programs our community values.

We encourage all residents to attend these meetings to learn the facts, ask questions, and engage directly with district leadership.”

Budget Meeting Schedule

April 28 VIRTUAL MEETING at 4 PM (www.nscsd.org/meet1)
April 30 In-Person Meeting at 5 PM Jerome F. Melvin Admin. Office (5355 West Taft Road, N. Syracuse) 
May 5 VIRTUAL MEETING at 4 PM (www.nscsd.org/meet2)
May 7 In-Person Meeting at 5 PM Cicero Elementary School (5979 Route 31, Cicero) 
May 12 In-Person Meeting at 6 PM Jerome F. Melvin Admin. Office (5355 West Taft Road, N. Syracuse)

In order to vote on the May 19 school budget and election, you must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older and meet the following qualifications:

• A resident of the NSCSD for at least 30 days prior to the vote;
• Not under sentence for a felony conviction and not adjudged mentally incompetent;
• Registered to vote in Onondaga County or the NSCSD.

If you are not already registered to vote, you must pre-register by May 14, 2026 to vote on May 19. The NSCSD is holding an evening registration meeting on Tuesday, May 12.

Additional budget information is available in the presentation to the Board of Education.